Molded mop head

ABSTRACT

A replaceable wringer mop head with a substantially square cross section is formed from a single piece of cellular sponge, preferably with a reinforcing mesh closely adjacent the exterior. A pair of mounting spools are located at opposed ends of the replaceable mop head, and tied securely to each end of the cellular sponge by means of a clamping ring. Both of the spools are provided with means for longitudinally engaging a corresponding fin on a wringer type mop holder which, in one position, is fixed. In the other two alternative positions, approximately 90* of freedom is afforded the mop head with regard to the shaft of the wringer mop. Upon reciprocating the mop, at each stroke reversal, alternate adjacent mop head faces engage the surface being mopped. The wringer mop is of the character in which the far end can be rotated by rotating one of the spools, and the opposite spool secured to the end that the mop head may be wrung dry of water by such rotation.

Unite States Pate Popeil 1 Mar. 26, 1974 1 MOLDED MOP HEAD [75]Inventor: Samuel J. Popeil, Chicago, 111.

[73] Assignee: Popeil Brothers, Inc., Chicago, Ill.

[22] Filed: Aug. 28, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 284,353

[52] US. Cl. 15/228, 15/120 R, 15/144 R, 15/244 A [51] Int. Cl. A47113/142, A471 13/16 [58] Field ofSearch 15/116 A, 119 A, 120 R, 15/120 A,144 R, 210 R, 228, 230.11, 244 A, 98

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.419930 l/l969 Grunert15/144 X 3.616483 11/1971 Mantelct 15/120 A 3.699.603 10/1972 Popeil15/244 A 3.750.220 8/1973 Popeil et a1... 15/228 2.644.182 7/1953 Siegel15/119 A FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 623.878 2/1963 Belgium 15/119 APrimary ExaminerDaniel Blum Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Dominik, Knechtel,Godula & Demeur [57] ABSTRACT A replaceable wringer mop head with asubstantially square cross section is formed from a single piece ofcellular sponge, preferably with a reinforcing mesh closely adjacent theexterior. A pair of mounting spools are located at opposed ends of thereplaceable mop head, and tied securely to each end of the cellularsponge by means of a clamping ring. Both of the spools are provided withmeans for longitudinally engaging a corresponding fin on a wringer typemop holder which, in one position, is fixed. 1n the other twoalternative positions, approximately 90 of freedom is afforded the mophead with regard to the shaft of the wringer mop. Upon reciprocating themop. at each stroke reversal, alternate adjacent mop head faces engagethe surface being mopped. The wringer mop is of the character in whichthe far end can be rotated by rotating one of the spools, and theopposite spool secured to the end that the mop head may be wrung dry ofwater by such rotation.

12 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PAIENIEDmazs 1974 SHEET 2 OF 4 FIG.5

PATENTEDmzs I974 SHEEI Q [If 4 B E F MOLDED MOP HEAD CROSS REFERENCE TORELATED APPLICATIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The subject matter ofthe present invention relates to the type of wringer mop of thecharacter disclosed in Nicholson U.S. Pat. No. 2,118,618 and ManteletU.S. Pat. No. 3,616,483 in which the self-wringing action of the mophead is made possible by a host structure or environment.

The mop head such as shown in Mantelet U.S. Pat. No. 3,616,483 has acloth surface which is quite thick and may impede the transition ofmoisture in and out of the sponge-type material. Other mop heads of thesponge type such as Brown U.S. Pat. No. 2,955,309 when used in washingwalls, can be severely abraded by flecks of dirt and other impuritieswhich become embedded in the paint on the wall. By using the reinforcingmesh such as described in Buchkremer U.S. Pat. No. 2,913,772 a much moreabrasive resistant surface results.

The mop head assembly of co-pending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No.119,160 is rectangular in cross section, and therefore the two narrowfaces, because of their relative instability, can seldom be used as amopping or working face.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention looks to the provision ofa mop head which is generally square in cross section, and has a pair ofspools which permit 90 rotation on the host wringer mop. As a result ofthe 90 available rotation, by reciprocating the mop back and forth, itwill flip flop between one face on the pushing stroke, and one face onthe pulling stroke, thereby utilizing two of the four faces of the mophead. By reversing the mop head on the wringer mop assembly, theopposite two faces are similarly used. Thus the wear, dirt absorption,water absorption, and cleaning faces may be distributed over the entireperiphery of the mop head.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the mop head ismolded of a cellulose-type sponge, providing it with a chamois-likeexterior surface, and optionally providing a reinforcing mesh closelyadjacent the surface to significantly lengthen the life of the mop headassembly against abrasion primarily encountered in washing walls andother rough surfaces. When the reinforcing mesh is substantially acotton base material, good absorption of water occurs through thewicking action assist to the sponge given by the cotton.

In view of the foregoing it will become apparent that one of theprincipal objects of the present invention is to provide a wringer mopreplaceable head which is so constructed that, in combination with aparticular wringer mop, it will flip flop in operation utilizing two ofthe four adjacent faces, and be reversed to utilize the other twoadjacent faces to the end that wear, water absorption, and dirtretention may be uniformly distributed over the entire face of the mophead.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mop headof the character set forth in which the same can be immobilized whereone fixed position of the mop head is desired.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a wringer mopreplaceable head with a reinforcing element which does not impede themoisture retaining or expressing characteristics of the mop, and yetsignificantly improves the strength characteristics of the material inwringing usage as well as washing and scrubbing abrasive-like surfaces.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mop headof the character described which insures a relatively inexpensivereplaceable construction.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE DRAWINGS The foregoing objects andadvantages as well as the inventions embodied herein will be betterunderstood taken in conjunction with the accompanying illustraing themotion of the mop head as the same is moved up and down a wall surface.

FIG. 3 is a sequential view related to FIG. 2 illustrating how the flipflop of the mop, depending upon the direction in which it is moving,affects the face which is engaging the wall.

FIG. 4 is a further sequential view of the mop head as shown in FIG. 3illustrating the same after it has been reversed on the wringerassembly.

FIG. 5 is a further sequential view illustrating how the final mop headface is engaged by the wall surface, immediately subsequent to itspositioning as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the subject mop head illustrating the same inits fixed or rigid position in which no flip flop occurs.

FIG. 7 is a perspective, partially broken view of the mop headillustrating the interior reinforcing fabric, the cutout portion, andthe means for securing one spool to one end.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary broken view illustrating one type ofreinforcing mesh employed in the manufacture of the mop head.

FIG. 9 is another enlarged fragmented view illustrating another type ofmaterial employed for reinforcing the interior of the mop head.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the anchor spool and its associated capwhich are fixed at one end to the illustrative mop head.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal transverse section of the anchor spool shownin FIG. 10 taken along section line ll-ll of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a transverse sectional view of the anchor spool taken alongsection line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the wringer spool and its associatedcap.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal section of the wringer spool taken alongsection line 14l4 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a transverse sectional view of the wringer spool taken alongsection line l5l5 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is one of three sequential views showing how the ring is clampedaround the anchor spool, the cross section being taken at section line1616 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a sequential view in the formation or completion of thebanding showing, in the same scale and from the same viewpoint as FIG.16, the second step of forming a dent in the ring.

FIG. 18 is a final view taken from the same vantage point and in thesame scale as FIG. 16 and 17 showing how subsequent squeezing of thering causes the dents as shown in FIG. 17 to become curled pigtails asshown in FIG. 18, completing the banding of the end of the cellularsponge block.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The mop head 20 illustrative of thepresent invention is best understood in its environment as removablysecured to a wringer type mop holder of the character shown in FIG. 1 ofthe accompanying drawings. There it will be seen that the wringer mopholder 10 is secured at the end of a handle 11 and includes as itsprincipal body portion a U-shaped head mount 12. A wringer having awringer crank which is actuated by turning the same with the operatorgrasping the handle 27 is secured at its rotating end to the base of thewringer shaft 25. The wringer shaft is mounted in a wringer shaftsupport 28 having a pair of diametrically opposed anchor spool engagingfins 30. At the far end or free end of the wringer shaft 25 provision ismade for a rotatable wringer snap assembly which has at the end of itsbody portion a snap head 43 and extending diametrically from the bodyportion in axially aligned orientation with the anchor spool fins 30 area pair of wringer snap assembly fins 53. The anchor spool engaging fins30 and thewringer spool engaging fins 53 are positioned in axialalignment for engagement with their corresponding anchor spool 31 andwringer spool 36 of the mop head 20.

The mop head 20 has an interior body formed from a sponge block 50. Theparticular type of sponge material conveniently employed in the makingof the subject mop head is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,280,022. Thereit will be seen that a cellulosic pasty mass may be molded or extrudedto form the sponges. One form of extruding such a mop head, with a cloth40 at its exterior, is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,913,772. Referringto FIGS. 1 and 7, it will be seen that the cellular sponge appearsinteriorly of the mop head 20, and the reinforcing mesh 40 isimmediately adjacent the exterior of the mop head 20. In actual form,because the mop head 20 is molded, a skin develops on the surface of thecellular sponge material, and the skin has a chamoislike consistency.The mesh 40 serves to reinforce the surface, and particularly thecorners of the generally square cross section mop head 20 againsttearing, and further against abrasion.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, an open weave-type mesh 40 may be employed, oras illustrated in FIG. 9, a woven webbing may be employed. In someinstances a nylon or polyester reinforcing webbing 40 will bepreferable, particularly in those cases where rough surfaces are to bewashed. On the other hand, where repeated wring ing, but less abrasivesurfaces are to be encountered such as kitchen floors, parkay floors,composition floors and the like, then a mercerized or even knitted cloth40 will blend into the surface of the mop head 20 and further augmentthe chamois-like effect on the actual mopping, leaving a smooth or evenpolished finish in the drying effort.

One aspect of the invention looks to the flip flop arrangement wherebytwo adjacent faces are utilized in reciprocatingly stroking the mop. Byfirst referring to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the mop is being pushedupwardly against the wall W as shown in the direction of the straightarrow. The effect of the friction against the surface engaged by face Ais to attempt to rotate the mop head in the direction of the curvedarrow. This is resisted by the engagement of the fin 53 at the end ofthe flip flop slots 38 against the ends of the flip flop slots 38 whichdefine the fixed head slots 39.

At the end of the stroke in the pushing direction as shown in FIG. 2,the mop head is then returned toward the user in the direction of thestraight arrow shown in FIG. 3. This causes the mop head 20 to rotate inthe clockwise direction as illustrated by the curved arrow, and reversethe operative face from face A to face B against the wall W, with thefins 53 remaining in the same relative position, but at the oppositeends of the flip flop slots 38 and abutting the opposite member whichdefines the fixed head slots 39.

In FIG. 4, the configuration is shown in which the mop head 20 isrotated 180 from that shown in FIG. 2. Thereafter when the mop head 20is pushed in the direction of the straight arrow or up the wall W asshown in FIG. 4, the tendency is to roll in the direction of the curvedarrow at the lower portion of FIG. 4, thereafter abutting the fin 53 inthe flip flop slots 38 as illustrated. On the return stroke, thedirection of effect of the mop head 20 is that as shown at the curvedarrow, and as illustrated in FIG. 6 the face D is presented to the wallW as the mop head 20 is moved in the direction of the straight arrowshown in FIG. 6, or towards the user. Thus by turning the mop head 20 I,instead of operating on faces A and B in the configuration asiilustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mop head works on faces C and D asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this fashion, all four faces of the mophead, by regularly rotating the same can be subjected to the same amountof wear, and of course, the same amount ofexposure to dirt prior to anycleaning steps which may be undertaken. As illustrated in FIG. 6, thefixed head slots 39 can be employed to engage the fins 53, and then themop head 20 becomes positively fixed onto the mop for such operations aswiping the top of doors, going under flat surfaces such as undercouches, beds, and the like.

The specifics of the mop head 20 are shown in the cutaway view of FIG.7. There it will be seen that the sponge body is encased by thereinforcing mesh 40, and handed at its two ends to the respective anchorspool 31 and wringer spool 36. More particularly, rings 61, 62 areemployed at each end and secure the end of the reinforced sponge to therespective spools. The inter ior portion of the sponge 50 is providedwith a wringer shaft bore 52. Prior to securing the rings 61,62 in placeto secure the ends of the sponge 50 to the anchor spool 31 and wringerspool 36, the transverse cross section of the mop head sponge 50 issubstantially uniform. In a successful commercial embodiment, thedistances across the faces of the sponge block 50 are approxi mately 3%inches, making the same a 3% inch square. The length of the mop head 20may vary between 8 and 10 inches. Variations in these dimensions arecontemplated as within the scope of the invention, the same being setforth for purposes of illustrating a desirable commercial embodiment,and desirable proportions.

As observed in FIGS. 1 and 7, the mop head 20 is finished at itsrespective ends by the provision of a pair of end caps 41, 42. Theanchor spool end cap 41 is provided with an opening 46 at the centralportion. The wringer spool and cap 42 is imperforate at its end. Each ofthe end caps is provided with skirts 60 having annular internal snaprings 48, 49. The anchor cap snap ring 48, and the wringer cap snap ring49, are of substantially the same configuration, and are proportioned topress-fittingly pass over the end of the wringer spool 36 and anchorspool 31 and lock in place with the skirts 60 approaching the spongeblock 50 to mask the ring and its banded portion of the end of thesponge block 50. Alternative means for press-fittingly engaging the endcaps 41, 42 are contemplated, such as male and female member snap fitsrespectively on the end caps 41, 42 and the anchor spool and wringerspool 31, 36. The purpose of the end caps is to provide a more finishedlook to the product, and also a smooth surface which is less likely, atthe wringer spool end cap 42, to scratch mop boards, table legs, and thelike.

Referring now to FIG. 10, specifics of the anchor spool 31 will be seen.It should be noted that the anchor spool 31 contains a pair of flip flopslots 32, and a pair of fixed head slots 34. The flip flop slotscomprise approximately 90 of the arcuate portion, and the fixed headslots 34 are oriented at an approximate perpendicular axis to the centeraxis of the flip flop slots 32. To be noted also are the stabilizingfins 55 around the exterior of the anchor spool 31 for purposes ofsecurely locking the sponge block 50 when banded by means of the ring 61to the ends of the sponge block 50.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, an undercut S8 is provided toreceive the sponge block 50 portion which is securely tightened andhanded by means of the tie ring 61. The wringer spool 36 is illustratedin FIGS. 13, 14, and where it will be seen, particularly in FIG. 14,that a snap head collar 37 is provided in the wringer spool 36 to fit inthe undercut 45 at the end of the wringer shaft (see FIG..1) adjacentthe snap head fastener 43. Interiorly, a plurality of flip flop slots 38and fixed head slots 39 are provided in the wringer spool 36, just thesame as in the anchor spool 31. Also an undercut S9 is provided toreceive the wringer spool ring 62, in the same fashion as with theanchor spool 31.

The banding of the ends of the sponge block 50 is shown diagrammaticallyand sequentially in FIGS. 16 through 18. The end of the sponge block 50is first squeezed and then (for purposes of illustration the anchorspool portion is shown which is substantially identical to the wringerspool portion) the anchor spool ring 61 is placed in position over thealready shrunken end of the sponge block 50. It will be noted that thering 61 is formed of a thin, band of stainless steel with a weldedoverlap 68. The first step in banding is to squeeze the ring 61, andform a pair of diametrically opposed dents 63 (see FIG. 17) at aposition adjacent the single horizontal stabilizing fin 55. As will benoted particularly in FIG. 17, the dents 63 have their pointed endsresting on auxiliary teeth 69. When the ring 61 is subsequentlysubjected to further squeezing (see FIG. 18), the formation of thepigtails 67 in offsetting directions as shown in FIG. 18 results. Thethus formed pigtails 67 serve additionally to the auxiliary teeth 69 andfins 55, 56 to lock the end of the sponge block 50 as banded by the ring61 against the anchor spool 31, or the wringer spool 36. It will befurther noted that the ring 61 defines a circular locus slightly lessthan the circular locus of the stabilizing fins 55. As shown in theother section in FIGS. 11 and 14, the band or ring 61, 62 thus serves totightly tie the end of the sponge block 50 to its associated spool, andthe same translates the motion or anchor action of its respective spool31, 36 to the sponge 50, and yet any unsightly appearance of the slantend of the sponge block 50 is masked by means of the respective end caps41, 42 and their depending skirts 60. 7

As to the material employed, as indicated above, the cellulose sponge isa regenerated cellulose, preferably having a high content of flax forreinforcing purposes. The reinforcing mesh 40 in a commercial embodimentis a Raschel knit of to cotton made by Southern Mills, Inc., of Atlanta,Ga. The warp yarns are 10/2=-2 warps and 32/2I warp. All are made fromgood gradefcle an, carded cotton or blendedoffi 'b''r cent with nylon oranother polyester to prevent shrinkage, and further increase strength.They are knitted on l8-gage or 36-gage machines, with two needles foreach hole in the netting, l6-l8 stitches per inch after dyeing andtentering. The same is thereafter sewn into a sleeve which, aftersewing, contains 38 holes around the periphery of the sleeve or between3 and 4 holes per inch. The sleeve is cut to approximately 46 inches inlength with one end closed. Thereafter the sleeve is positioned in amold and the reinforced cellular sponge block formed generally asdescribed in the Buchkremer US. Pat. No. 2,913,772, owned by applicantsassignee. The blocks are then cut off to the particular lengths ofsponge block 50 which is to be employed in the molded mop head.

In summary, it will be seen that a mop head 20 has beenshown which canbe used on a wringer mop assembly 10 which is susceptible ofreciprocating use on all four of the faces, the faces of the mop head 20(A, B, C, and D) being approximately the same size, weight, andproportion. By reversing the mop head 20 the two faces can be used inreciprocating mopping, which are not used prior to reversal. Inaddition, a fixed position is provided for those applications where themop head 20 is to be rigidly secured to the mop assembly 10. Reinforcingmaterial is provided in the sponge block 50, such as a mesh 40, or otheropen weave material which assists in reducing the tendency of the sponge50' to tear, or wear during repeated wringings, and washing againstroughened surfaces. By molding the sponge 50, rather than sawing thesame from a large bun, the exterior surface of the rnop head 20 ischamois-like and preserves a good finish, and yet without any loosecloth on the exterior of the mop head which can become shredded byworking on rough surfaces such as painted walls.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in full here, there is no intention to thereby limit theinvention to the details of such embodiments. On the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, alternatives, embodiments,usages and equivalents of a mop head as fall within the spirit and scopeof the invention, specification and the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. For use with a wringer type mop holder, a cellular sponge mop headcomprising, in combination,

a molded sponge body,

said body being substantially square in cross section and having fourfaces of substantially the same configuration,

a wringer spool secured at one end of said sponge member,

an anchor spool secured at the other end of said head whereby the mophead assembly is reinforced against wear on roughened surfaces and atthe edges adjacent the four faces to resist tearing in repeatedwringing.

3 In the mop head assembly of claim 1,

a pair of opposed head slots on each of said anchor spool and wringerspool for fixing the assembly on the holder.

4. In the mop head assembly of claim 2,

said material comprising an open weaved mesh of synthetic fibrousmaterial.

5. In the mop head assembly of claim 1,

a pair of end caps,

means on said end caps proportioned to snap fittingly engage therespective anchor spool and wringer spool ends.

6. In the mop head assembly of claim 2,

said fabric comprising a knitted fabric and molded substantiallycoplanar with the exterior skin of said sponge portion.

7. In the mop head assembly of claim 1,

a plurality of stabilizing fins on each of said wringer spool and anchorspool and extending therefrom.

8. In the mop head assembly of claim 7,

tie rings employed to clamp said sponge body at its ends to therespective anchor spool and wringer spool.

9. In the mop head assembly of claim 8,

undercut means on each of said wringer spool and anchor spool to receivethe gathered end portion of said sponge body.

10. In the mop head assembly of claim 9,

a pair of end caps proportioned to snap fittingly engage the respectiveanchor spool and wringer spool to mask the tie rings and finish the endsof the mop head to mask the tied end portions of the sponge bodyextending beyond the tie rings.

11. In the mop head assembly of claim I,

said body having a length at least twice its width.

12. In the mop head assembly of claim 10,

said body having a length at least twice its width.

1. For use with a wringer type mop holder, a cellular sponge mop headcomprising, in combination, a molded sponge body, said body beingsubstantially square in cross section and having four faces ofsubstantially the same configuration, a wringer spool secured at one endof said sponge member, an anchor spool secured at the other end of saidhead each of said anchor spools and wringer spools having opposed flipflop slots, and, means for snap fittingly securing said mop headassembly to a wringer type mop holder whereby upon reciprocating themop, at each stroke reversal, alternate adjacent mop head faces engagethe mopped surface.
 2. In the mop head assembly of claim 1 above, areinforcing material molded into the mop head sponge body immediatelybeneath or coextensive with the surface portion thereof, whereby the mophead assembly is reinforced against wear on roughened surfaces and atthe edges adjacent the four faces to resist tearing in repeatedwringing.
 3. In the mop head assembly of claim 1, a pair of opposed headslots on each of said anchor spool and wringer spool for fixing theassembly on the holder.
 4. In the mop head assembly of claim 2, saidmaterial comprising an open weaved mesh of synthetic fibrous material.5. In the mop head assembly of claim 1, a pair of end caps, means onsaid end caps proportioned to snap fittingly engage the respectiveanchor spool and wringer spool ends.
 6. In the mop head assembly ofclaim 2, said fabric comprising a knitted fabric and moldedsubstantially coplanar with the exterior skin of said sponge portion. 7.In the mop head assembly of claim 1, a plurality of stabilizing fins oneach of said wringer spool and anchor spool and extending therefrom. 8.In the mop head assembly of claim 7, tie rings emplOyed to clamp saidsponge body at its ends to the respective anchor spool and wringerspool.
 9. In the mop head assembly of claim 8, undercut means on each ofsaid wringer spool and anchor spool to receive the gathered end portionof said sponge body.
 10. In the mop head assembly of claim 9, a pair ofend caps proportioned to snap fittingly engage the respective anchorspool and wringer spool to mask the tie rings and finish the ends of themop head to mask the tied end portions of the sponge body extendingbeyond the tie rings.
 11. In the mop head assembly of claim 1, said bodyhaving a length at least twice its width.
 12. In the mop head assemblyof claim 10, said body having a length at least twice its width.